Geographical Information: Paper charts display detailed geographical information, including coastlines, land masses, islands, and prominent landmarks. This helps mariners visually understand the layout of the area they are navigating.
Depth Soundings: Charts provide depth soundings, which indicate the water depth at various points. These soundings help mariners assess the depth of the water and determine safe passage routes.
Navigational Aids: Paper charts depict navigational aids, such as lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and other markers that assist in navigation. These aids serve as reference points for sailors to plot their course and avoid hazards.
Depth Contours: Contour lines on the chart connect points of equal depth. These contours allow mariners to visualize underwater terrain and identify areas of shallow or deep water, which helps in route planning.
Tidal Information: Paper charts often include tidal information, such as tidal streams, tidal heights, and tidal diamonds. This data helps mariners account for the effects of tides on their voyage and plan accordingly.
Magnetic Variations: Charts provide information on magnetic variations, which indicate the difference between true north and magnetic north. This data is crucial for accurate compass readings and course plotting.
Chart Datum: A chart datum is a reference level used to measure depths on the chart. It represents the lowest tide level that the depths are based on. Understanding the chart datum is essential for correctly interpreting the depth information on the chart.
Chart Legends and Symbols: Paper charts have a legend that explains the various symbols, abbreviations, and colors used on the chart. This helps mariners interpret the chart's information and navigate effectively.
Scale and Projection: Charts indicate their scale, showing the ratio between the chart's dimensions and the actual distance on the water. They also specify the projection used, which affects the accuracy of the chart's representation.
Marginal Information: Paper charts often include important marginal information, such as chart title, edition, date of publication, sources, and additional notes. This information ensures mariners are using the most up-to-date and relevant chart for their voyage.
